Summer on Peters Pond

Where were the first homes constructed on Peters Pond? Was there ever a bar (drinking establishment) on the lake? How big is the Peters Pond watershed? How is the water quality? What's up with the weeds? And what is a Peters Pond "Grove"? The answers to all these questions, and a lot more information, are contained somewhere on this this web site.

IS PETERS POND A LAKE?

Many have asked this question. Here's the answer: Yes. Or No. You decide.

The thing is, there is no exact definition of when a "pond" becomes a "lake". Generally speaking, lakes are bigger and deeper than ponds. But there are no firm cut off points, and there are many examples of "ponds" in New England that are bigger than neighboring "lakes".

Under Massachusetts state law, any water body greater than 10-acres in its natural state is considered a "Great Pond", and is owned by the Commonwealth. So as a practical matter, water bodies less than 10-acres are probably best considered a pond, not a lake. Otherwise, it all depends on who does the naming.

And speaking of that, the origins of the name Peters Pond is also not clear. There have been references to former names being Mud Pond or Poor Peter's Pond. One thing is clear: it's been "Peters", not "Peter's" Pond for some time. If anyone has more information, please contact us.

WHY IS THE POND WATER TEA-COLORED

(and why that is not a bad thing)

The water in Peters Pond is somewhat brown or "tea-colored". This is a natural condition that often occurs in shallow lakes surrounded by deciduous trees and wetland areas. The yellow/brown discoloration is due to the presence of tannins and other decaying plant matter ("humic substances").

Tea colored water is perfectly safe to swim, boat, and fish in. What's more - the dissolved organic matter causing the discoloration may actually help prevent or minimize algal blooms, including "blue green algae" or cyanobacteria. And by limiting the depth to which sunlight can penetrate the water column, it may also help limit weed growth in deeper regions of the lake.

Blast from the past

"The examination of Peter's Pond on the above date, determined there was a weed condition similar to that observed in 1958...."

"It is recommended that the Peter's Pond Association obtain the services, privately, of a weed control expert to rid the pond of aquatic growth as may be desired."

Herbert D. Nickerson

Assistant Sanitary Engineer

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

May 20, 1959